Shukracharya was the guru of the demons. One day his daughter Devyani was taking  a bath in a lake with Sarmistha, the daughter of the demon king, Vishaparva. They had left their clothes on the bank. Suddenly a strong wind started blowing. They quickly came out of the lake and put their clothes. By mistake Sarmistha wore Devyani's clothes. They started fighting. Sarmistha pushed Devyani into a well and left her there.

After some time King Yayati passes by the well. Seeing Devyani, he pulled her out. They decided to get married. When Devyani did not return Shukracharya came looking for her. She refused to go back because the princess had insulted her. Sukracharya went to Vishaprava and threatened to leave the kingdom. Vrishaprava begged Devyani for her forgiveness. Devyani agreed but on one condition - that Sarmistha become her maid.

Soon Yayati and Devyani got married and had three sons. One day, Sarmistha told Yayati how she came to be Devyani's maid. Sympathising with her Yayati secretly married her and she had two sons. When Devyani came to know their secret marriage, she told Sukracharya, who cursed Yayati with old age. Devyani was very sad at this. Shukracharya told her that it was not possible to take back the curse but a son of Yayati could exchange his youth with him.

Yayati requested each of his sons to take away his old age. Only his youngest son Puru agreed and Yayati become young again. After many years, he realised his injustice towards his son. He returned his son's youth and made him the king.